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Book Self-Catering Holiday Cottages For Active Holidays

Scroll down to find a choice of self-catering cottages suitable for those seeking an active holiday involving sporting or outdoor pursuits. Whether walking in England, climbing mountains in Scotland, riding rapids or zip wires in Wales, the holiday cottages listed here will be near an attractive choice of activities to enjoy in the great outdoors. Many activity cottages will offer on-site facilities such as fishing, swimming pools and tennis courts or will be surrounded by long, bracing walks in the country or along the miles of scenic coastal footpaths. 

Click on the preview description of any cottage to view its main page.

Exterior of an imposingstone-built2-3 storey house with ample parking space and surrounded by trees.
  • Sleeps 12
  • Bedrooms 5

Bryn Cemllyn is a large rural holiday cottage in Gwynedd that sleeps 12. Located in the Coed-y-Brenin Forest near Dolgellau, it lies inland from the coast at Barmouth and just south of the Snowdonia National Park - a fabulous location for holidays in the Great Outdoors. Pets Welcome.

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Large rural Shropshire manor house with two end gables overlooks a large, tree-lined lawn.
  • Sleeps 30
  • Bedrooms 10

Brookside Manor House stands in a rural Shropshire location. The list of rooms in this large and magnificent country house near Chirk reads like a Cluedo set: a library, conservatory, snooker room, drawing room, swimming pool, gym, and squash courts. Perfect for big weekend country house parties.

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Exterior of a long, stone-built barn conversion in Priestcliffe, overlooking a courtyard and a walled garden.
  • Sleeps 12
  • Bedrooms 6

Discover Broadway Barn, a luxurious Peak District holiday cottage in Priestcliffe. This meticulously restored stone barn conversion sleeps 8-10 guests across four bedrooms, perfect for family gatherings. The spacious dining area seats up to 14, whilst the cosy sitting room boasts a Scandinavian gas wood burner-effect stove. With a fully-equipped kitchen and multiple bathrooms, it offers modern comfort with rustic charm. Just 5 miles from Bakewell and 9 miles from Buxton, this holiday cottage in Priestcliffe provides easy access to the Peak District's stunning landscapes and attractions, including Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall. Experience an unforgettable Derbyshire holiday in this lavish and pet-friendly rural retreat. Broadway Barn at Lydford Farm in the rural Peak District hamlet of Priestcliffe is a large, high-quality holiday cottage lovingly created by converting a traditional Derbyshire barn. This pet-friendly holiday home sleeps 12 in 6 bedrooms (2 en suite), perfect for large or dual family holidays.

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A 2-storey stone cottage attached to the edge of a walled garden.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Discover the enchanting Head Gardener's House, a luxury countryside retreat in Lincolnshire. This Victorian gem, nestled within the Easton Estate, sleeps 4 in 2 bedrooms, offering a perfect escape for couples or small groups. Enjoy exclusive access to 12 acres of stunning Easton Walled Gardens, ideal for year-round exploration. The pet-friendly cottage boasts stylish interiors, including a cosy library and well-appointed bedrooms. Unwind in the private garden or explore the estate's amenities. Whether seeking a romantic getaway or a peaceful break, this idyllic accommodation promises an unforgettable stay. Experience the allure of this beautifully restored estate house and create lasting memories in this tranquil haven.

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Ground floor street exterior of a stone-built terraced holiday cottage in Settle
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Located within the Pennine market town of Settle on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, Bridle Cottage is a picturesque townhouse set over three storeys. Ideal for families or friends who want a rural getaway, Bridle Cottage has been renovated to a high standard. Pets welcome. Sleeps 4.

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A Herefordshire riverside cottage with bay windows is fronted by a grassy bank down to a wide river.
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

Set on the edge of Herefordshire's River Arrow, this large riverside holiday cottage in Eardisland stands in a scenic location in an attractive Herefordshire village. This dog-friendly holiday home is ideal for family or friends who want to walk in or explore this idyllic rural corner of Herefordshire.

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A slate-roofed barn conversion overlooks a farmyard.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Whisk yourself away to a Scottish working farm in Annan and settle into The Loft. This dog-friendly two-bedroom countryside cottage in Dumfries and Galloway comfortably houses your family on self-catering holidays in the countryside.

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Exterior of a 3-storey holiday cottage on Osea Island overlooking a large lawn with sun lounders beneath a shade of tree
  • Sleeps 14
  • Bedrooms 6

Rosetti House is a spacious holiday cottage located on Osea Island, near Maldon. The cottage is situated on the ground floor and features a large private garden. It is equipped with a communal pool, tennis court, and cinema room for easy access. The living area has three comfortable sofas and the kitchen-diner seats up to 14 people, making them ideal spaces for gathering.

Osea Island is located in the Blackwater Estuary and offers a memorable escape with its private beach, saltwater lido, heated outdoor pool, gym, and event spaces. The cottage features six bedrooms and multiple bathrooms, ensuring comfort and relaxation. It is perfect for special celebrations or family getaways.

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  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 3

Discover the secluded luxury of Chapel House One, an Essex holiday cottage on Osea Island, surrounded by the Blackwater Estuary. Revel in the exclusive tidal island, a 90-minute escape from London, with private beaches, an outdoor pool, tennis court, cinema room, games room, and more. This dog-friendly waterside cottage offers flexible accommodation, ideal for family get-togethers—Book Chapel House One for a unique, beautiful getaway with stylish living areas and mezzanine space. Explore the island, visit The Puffin Pub, and enjoy EV charging facilities.

  • Active Holidays
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  • Cycling Holidays
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  • Fishing Holidays
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages

Activity holidays don't need to involve knuckle experiences. For families with young children or those preferring a 'healthy holiday' without the risk of injury, consider hiring bicycles to explore a Sustrans Cycle route or a cycle path such as the Tarka Trail in North Devon or The Bonsal Trail in Derbyshire. To ensure that a holiday cottage has precisely what you are looking for, e.g. an outdoor shower for washing the salt of wetsuits and surfboards, use the Visit Website button to go to a cottage's website for further information. Alternatively, e-mail or phone the owners directly to check that what you want to do on holiday is precisely the activity accessible at the cottage.